2013 Nissan Altima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Nissan Altima
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Altima Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 1993: 125 complaints 1993 1994: 113 complaints 1995: 180 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1997: 108 complaints 1998: 123 complaints 1998 1999: 87 complaints 2000: 160 complaints 2001: 159 complaints 2002: 1047 complaints 2003: 883 complaints 2003 2004: 276 complaints 2005: 1091 complaints 2006: 824 complaints 2007: 471 complaints 2008: 1028 complaints 2008 2009: 1547 complaints 2010: 380 complaints 2011: 241 complaints 2012: 425 complaints 2013: 2308 complaints 2013 2014: 1113 complaints 2015: 947 complaints 2016: 552 complaints 2017: 390 complaints 2018: 225 complaints 2018 2019: 228 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 69 complaints 2022: 30 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 6 complaints 2025
2013: 2308 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1993125
1994113
1995180
199692
1997108
1998123
199987
2000160
2001159
20021047
2003883
2004276
20051091
2006824
2007471
20081028
20091547
2010380
2011241
2012425
20132308
20141113
2015947
2016552
2017390
2018225
2019228
2020178
202169
202230
202329
202441
20256

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

AIR BAGS 22%

22% of complaints: air bags — 513 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air bag/restraint control module.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact's brother owned a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at an undisclosed speed from a stop sign, another vehicle in the left lane crashed into the contact's brother's front driver's side.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260312

I was traveling straight and made an abrupt turn. I lost control of my car and struck a pole, then hit a brick building. None of the airbags in my vehicle deployed and I hit my nose on the steering wheel and sustained other injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240722

TAKATA RECALL ON AUGUST 15, 2017 I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON MY WAY TO WORK IN WHICH I SWERVED SO I WOULDN'T HIT A DEER AND INSTEAD HIT A TREE DAMAGING THE FRONT MIDDLE PORTION OF MY CAR WHICH,,,TO MY SURPRISE,,,, MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND...

NHTSA ODI report, 20171124

POWER TRAIN 22%

22% of complaints: power train — 505 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and torque converter.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

RESUMING AFTER A STOP THE CAR WAS SLUGGISH. IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THERE WERE SEVERAL STRONG JERKING MOTIONS FOR A FEW SECONDS. THEN WHEN IT FULLY ENGAGED THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT A HIGHER THAN EXPECTED SPEED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130613

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 19%

19% of complaints: exterior lighting — 443 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and high/low beam dimmer switch.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WE HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE CAR IN LIKE 10 DAYS AND TRIED STARTING IT AND IT WOULDN'T START.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171127

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The headlight housings metallic coatings for reflectivity are failing and reduce the efficacy of the headlights. There has been a class action lawsuit against Nissan for this but many, like myself, were not notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260801

SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 292 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and lower arm.

CRASH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 159 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Front passenger door lock actuator fails to unlock door when driver's, passengers or key fob to unlock is activated. All other doors (3) work as they should.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260801

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20121112 — steering, suspension

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured from May 10, 2012, through July 26, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power stee

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. The safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Ser

Campaign 12V494000 — check if this car was fixed

2013 — complaint volume: 2308
R 20130429 — tires

Nissan North America is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima vehicles manufactured March 21, 2012, through March 26, 2013. The spare tires may have been significantly over- or under-inflated.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and adjust the spare tire pressure, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Campaign 13V158000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20130506 — air bags

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out o

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ODS sensors and replace them as neccessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-8

Campaign 13V069000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20140414 — air bags, electrical system

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, and Sentra, model year 2013 NV200 (aka Taxi) and Infiniti JX35 and model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 vehicles.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Campaign 14V138000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20141020 — latches/locks/linkages

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to February 28, 2013.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed.

Campaign 14V565000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20150318 — RQ (closed 20150901)

Occupant Classification System Failure

R 20150331 — latches/locks/linkages

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will be instructed to modify the bend angle of the hood actuation lever to eliminate potential interference with the hood inner panel. In addition, dealers will clean and lubricate the latch joint as needed.

Campaign 15V116000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20150831 — EA (closed 20170502)

Occupant Classification System Failure

R 20150928 — fuel system, gasoline

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified the agency on July 31, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2016 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 18, 2015.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer ring between the fuel tank and the fuel sending unit. The recall began on September 28, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Campaign 15V486000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20151130 — air bags

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Campaign 15V681000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160217 — latches/locks/linkages

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles manufactured March 6, 2012, to December 31, 2014.

Remedy: These vehicles were previously included in recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116, however the previous remedy plan may not have been performed consistently to remove the safety risk.

Campaign 16V029000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160610 — air bags

Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors.

Campaign 16V244000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20170213 — air bags

Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Campaign 16V911000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20181201 — PE (closed 20190821)

Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure

I 20190729 — EA (closed 20250616)

Rear Suspension Control Arm Failure

R 20210630 — latches/locks/linkages

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owner’s Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the...

Campaign 20V315000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (513 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (505 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (443 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 12V494000 (steering, suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 13V158000 (tires) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 13V069000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V138000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V565000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V116000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V486000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 15V681000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V029000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V244000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V911000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V315000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ■ 2014 ■ 2005

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2013 Nissan Altima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Nissan Altima is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Nissan Altima?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Nissan Altima have?

12 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.